Dog Breeds: Basenji

Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 2:26 am

basenji

The Basenji originated in Africa where it is used for pack-hunting of small game.

The first traces of a dog bearing a strong resemblance to the Basenji are depicted in carvings and wall drawings in the tombs of the pharaohs of ancient Egyptian.

The breed had almost disappeared when it was discovered by explorers in Southern Sudan and the Congo.

The Basenji does not bark, although it is not silent and gives a kind of ‘yodel’.

Other particular characteristics are the fact that it washes itself like a cat and when alert, has a forehead creased with wrinkles that give the dog a worried look.

FACTS ABOUT THE BASENJI:

Size	Males: 16-17 in (41-43 cm) Females:15-16 in (38-41 cm)
Weight	Males: 25-35 lb (11-16 kg) Females: 20-30 lb (9-14 kg)
Temperament	The Basenji is an alert, affectionate, energetic, curious and extremely active dog that loves to play. Basenji make good pets, providing they are regularly handled from an early age. Although the Basenji is very intelligent with a strong desire to please and responds well to training, it also has a stubborn streak. A patient dog that interacts better with older children. It is not a good idea to trust the Basenji with non-canine pets. Basenjis love to chew so make sure they have lots of chew toys, and you also need to be aware that they like to climb and can easily climb over a chain wire fence. Because the dog is very active this can create a problem if the owner interprets getting a ‘quiet’ dog, as a relatively inactive dog when in fact it relates to the fact that the dog is relatively silent, not inactive.
Grooming	Basenjis are not only odorless and clean but they are fastidious in their own grooming habits, cleaning themselves in a cat-like manner. A good dog for people with allergies as it sheds very little.
Exercise	The Basenji requires vigorous daily exercise to keep trim and fit. The breed has a tendency to become fat and lazy if not exercised regularly.
Living Area	Basenjis are very active when kept indoors. They can be kept in an apartment with a small yard providing they are regularly exercised. They are an inside dog and dislike wet weather. Keeping two or three Basenjis together is a good idea and they generally get on well without fighting amongst themselves.
Health	Prone to kidney problems which must be treated as soon as symptoms appear. Susceptible to eye and intestinal problems. Include some green vegetables in the diet. The bitch only comes into season once a year.
Life Expectancy	10-12 years